Tofu prepper

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for easily removing excess moisture from blocks of tofu. The apparatus comprises a container which holds the tofu. A first substantially flat plate member is disposed within such container and placed on top of the tofu. A second substantially flat plate member which has a spring attached thereon engages a pair of arm like projections disposed on upper surfaces and on opposite sides of the container member. The other end of the spring engages the upper surface of the first flat plate member that sits on the top of the tofu so that as the spring exerts pressure on the first flat plate member water is removed from the tofu.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/726,548, entitled TOFU PREP, filed Mar. 22,2007. The teachings of this related application are incorporated hereinby reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to the use of tofu, and, moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and to amethod for accommodating and for removing excess water from a standardblock of tofu as sold in stores.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many individuals have realized the health and wellness benefits that canbe obtained by simply decreasing or completely eliminating meat fromtheir diets. Some individuals may wish to eliminate meat from their dietfor animal rights reasons, as well.

Tofu is a plant based protein source that many people turn to in orderto create the right balance of nutrients in their diet. Thus, tofu iswidely used as a substitute for the protein that is generally obtainedfrom eating meat. However, tofu preparation can be inconvenient andmessy as many recipes require the cook to squeeze excess moisture from ablock of tofu in order to prepare it. A block is the normal way thattofu is sold. Improperly prepped tofu can result in an inedible mealthat can make some individuals completely give up on tofu as a meatalternative. Current methods of removing the moisture from a block oftofu include squeezing and pressing the tofu with paper towels and otherheavier kitchen utensils that are generally inadequate and cumbersomeand most do not always allow for storage of the tofu in therefrigerator. Thus, it would be advantageous if there were a meansavailable that would provide those individuals who wish to remove meatfrom their diets a simple apparatus that can be used to easily removeexcess moisture from blocks of tofu and provide a means of storing suchprepared tofu.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus forremoving excess moisture from blocks of tofu as commonly sold in groceryand health food stores. The apparatus comprises a container memberhaving a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined surfacearea. The container member is for holding at least one block of tofu. Apair of arm like projections are disposed on upper surfaces and onopposite sides of the container member. A first substantially flat platemember having a second predetermined surface area which is less that thefirst predetermined surface area by an amount at least sufficient toallow moisture to flow to a surface above an upper surface of such tofu,the first substantially flat plate member is disposed inside thecontainer member and placed on top of such at least one block of tofu.Such first substantially flat plate member having at least one raisedportion on an upper surface thereof. A second substantially flat platemember engages the pair of arm like projections. A handle member isdisposed on an upper surface of the second substantially flat platemember and a biasing means is caged between an inner surface of thehandle member and such upper surface of the first substantially flatplate member for pressing excess moisture out of such at least one blockof tofu.

In a second aspect there is provided an apparatus for removing excessmoisture from blocks of tofu as commonly sold in grocery and health foodstores. The apparatus comprises a container member having a firstpredetermined shape and a first predetermined surface area. Thecontainer member is for holding at least one block of tofu. A pair ofarm like projections are disposed on upper surfaces and on oppositesides of the container member. A first substantially flat plate memberhaving a second predetermined surface area which is less that the firstpredetermined surface area by an amount at least sufficient to allowmoisture to flow to a surface above an upper surface of such tofu, thefirst substantially flat plate member is disposed inside the containermember and placed on top of such at least one block of tofu. Such firstsubstantially flat plate member having at least one raised portion on anupper surface thereof. A second substantially flat plate member engagesthe pair of arm like projections. A handle member is disposed on anupper surface of the second substantially flat plate member and abiasing means is engageable with a lower surface of the secondsubstantially flat plate member and caged between the lower surface ofsecond substantially flat plate member and the upper surface of thefirst substantially flat plate member for pressing excess moisture outof such at least one block of tofu.

In yet another aspect the present invention there is provided a methodfor removing excess moisture from blocks of tofu as commonly sold ingrocery and health food stores. The method comprises the steps ofproviding a container member. Such first container member has a firstpredetermined shape and a first predetermined surface area and has apair of arm like projections disposed on upper surfaces and oppositesides of such container member. This is followed by a step of placing atleast one block of tofu in the container member. The next step isplacing a first substantially flat plate member inside the containermember on top of such at least one block of tofu, such firstsubstantially flat plate member having a second predetermined surfacearea which is less that such first predetermined surface area by anamount at least sufficient to allow moisture to low to a surface abovean upper surface of such tofu. Such first substantially flat platemember has at least one raised portion on an upper surface thereof. Thisis followed by the step of engaging a second substantially flat platemember having a handle member disposed on an upper surface thereof andhaving a biasing means connected to an inner surface of such handlemember with the pair of arm like projections disposed on upper surfacesand on opposite sides of the container member. There is a step of cagingthe biasing means between such at least one raised portion on the uppersurface of the first substantially flat plate member and an innersurface of such handle member when the second substantially flat platemember is engaged with the pair of arm like projections. A step ofapplying pressure on the block of tofu by the first substantially flatplate member. Such first substantially flat plate member being forceddownward by the biasing means. The next step is removing water from theblock of tofu by the pressure exerted by the first substantially flatplate member as a result of the action of the biasing means. Collectingthe excess water removed from the block of tofu above such firstsubstantially flat plate member and a step of storing the tofu in thecontainer member, with excess water removed, in a refrigerated areauntil ready for use.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention toprovide an apparatus for removing excess moisture from a block of tofu.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus forremoving excess moisture from a block of tofu that is easy to use.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatusthat is made of plastic for removing excess moisture from a block oftofu.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatusfor removing excess moisture from a block of tofu that uses a biasingmeans for applying pressure to such block of tofu and forcing the excessmoisture out of such block of tofu.

These and various other objects and advantages of this invention willbecome apparent after a full reading of the following detaileddescription, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attacheddrawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for use in removing excesswater from a block of tofu.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second plate member having a handlemember formed thereon and with a biasing means attached.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus from a different angleshowing the second plate member engaged with the projections on theupper surfaces of the container member.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container member with a lid memberin place.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus showing the apparatussnapped onto the lid as a means of storing the lid when not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTSOF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the presentinvention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identicalcomponents which have identical functions have been designated byidentical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated inthe drawings.

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus, generallydesignated 10, for removing excess moisture from blocks of tofu ascommonly sold in grocery and health food stores. The apparatus 10comprises a container member 2 which has a first predetermined shape anda first predetermined surface area. The container member 2 is forholding at least one block of tofu 3. A pair of arm like projections 4are disposed on upper surfaces and on opposite sides of the containermember 2. A first substantially flat plate member 6 having a secondpredetermined surface area which is less that the first predeterminedsurface area by an amount at least sufficient to allow moisture to flowto a surface above an upper surface of such tofu 3, the firstsubstantially flat plate member 6 is disposed inside the containermember 2 and placed on top of such at least one block of tofu 3. Suchfirst substantially flat plate member 6 having at least one raisedportion 8 disposed on an upper surface thereof. A second substantiallyflat plate member 12 engages the pair of arm like projections 4. Ahandle member 14 is disposed on an upper surface of the secondsubstantially flat plate member 12 and a biasing means, generallydesignated 20, is caged between an inner surface of the handle member 14and such upper surface of the first substantially flat plate member 6for pressing excess moisture out of such at least one block of tofu 3.

It should be noted that such biasing means 20 is preferably a spring 18.The spring 18 is compressed when the second flat platform member 12 isforcibly engaged with the pair of arm like projections 4 and theopposite end of the biasing means 20 is disposed within the raisedportion 8 and engages the upper surface of the first substantially flatmember 6.

As the spring 18, which was compressed, attempts to return to itsuncompressed position pressure is applied to the first flat plate member6 which in turn applies pressure to the block of tofu 3 causing excesswater to be forced out of the block of tofu. The excess water iscollected above the first flat plate member 6. The water that has beencollected is just poured out of the container member 2.

The second substantially flat member 12 has a pair of notches 22disposed on diagonally opposed corners which makes it easier to engagethe arm like projections 4. It should be noted that such containermember 2 has feet 16 disposed on each corner.

It is presently preferred that such container member 2 is formed ofplastic. It is also preferred that such first 6 and second flat platemembers 12 as well as the lid member 24 also be made of plastic. It isalso preferred that such pair of arm like projections 4 are integrallyformed as a part of the container member 2.

It is preferred that such handle member 14 is substantially hollow andthat substantially hollow handle member 14 further includes a means,generally designated 30, for engaging an upper end of the spring 18.Such means 30 includes a pair of pins 26 that are disposed inwardly onradially opposed sides of the handle member 14. It is also presentlypreferred that such substantially hollow handle member 14 is formed ontothe upper surface of second substantially flat plate member 12.

Such arm like projections 4 that are disposed on upper surfaces andopposite sides of such container member 2 can point in the samedirection or in opposite directions. However, it is presently preferredthat such arm like projections 4 point in opposite directions.

Thus, the block of tofu 3 is placed in the container member 2 and thefirst flat plate member 6 is placed on top of the tofu 3. The secondflat plate member 12 with the biasing means attached engages the armlike projections 4 and the biasing means 20 is disposed within theraised portion 8 and engages the upper surface of first flat platemember 6. The biasing means 20 (spring 18) applies pressure to the firstflat plate member 6 which causes the block of tofu 3 to be squeezed andexcess water to be removed. Since the excess water may require some timeto be squeezed out of the tofu 3, the apparatus 10, with the block oftofu inside, can be stored in the refrigerator while the excess water isbeing removed from the tofu 3. After the excess water has been removed,the excess water is then discarded and the prepared block of tofu 3 inthe container member 2 can be stored in the refrigerator again. Amarinade can be poured on top of the tofu 3 and the lid member 24 placedon top of the container 2 and stored in the refrigerator. After the tofuhas been marinated with the appropriate marinade it is now ready forfurther use.

Another embodiment of the invention is seen in FIG. 5 wherein the lidmember 24 snaps onto the legs 16 of the container member 2. This is ameans for storing the lid 24 when it is not being used as a lid 24,thus, conveniently keeping everything in one place so that parts do notget lost.

A second aspect of the invention provides an apparatus 10 for removingexcess moisture from blocks of tofu 3 as commonly sold in grocery andhealth food stores. The apparatus 10 is very similar to that describedabove and comprises the container member 2 having a pair of arm likeprojections 4 disposed on upper surfaces and on opposite sides of thecontainer member 2. There is a first substantially flat plate member 6having at least one raised portion 8 disposed on an upper surfacethereof. A second substantially flat plate member 12 engages the pair ofarm like projections 4. A handle member 14 is disposed on an uppersurface of the second substantially flat plate member 12 and a first endof the biasing means 20 is engageable with a lower surface of the secondsubstantially flat plate member 12 and is caged between the lowersurface of second substantially flat plate member 12 and the uppersurface of the first substantially flat plate member 6 for pressingexcess moisture out of such at least one block of tofu. Such second endof such biasing means 20 is disposed within such raised portion 8 thatis disposed the upper surface of the first plate member 6.

In yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a method forremoving excess moisture from blocks of tofu as commonly sold in groceryand health food stores. The method comprises the steps of providing acontainer member 2. Such container member 2 has a first predeterminedshape and a first predetermined surface area and having a pair of armlike projections 4 disposed on upper surfaces and on opposite sides ofthe container member 2. This is followed by a step of placing at leastone block of tofu 3 in the container member 2. The next step is placinga first substantially flat plate member 6 inside the container member ontop of such at least one block of tofu, such first substantially flatplate member 6 having a second predetermined surface area which is lessthat such first predetermined surface area by an amount at leastsufficient to allow moisture to flow to a surface above an upper surfaceof such tofu 3. Such first substantially flat plate member 6 has atleast one raised portion 8 on an upper surface thereof. This is followedby the step of engaging a second substantially flat plate member 12,having a handle member 14 disposed on an upper surface thereof andhaving a biasing means 20 connected to an inner surface of such handlemember 14, with the pair of arm like projections 4 disposed on uppersurfaces and on opposite sides of the container member 2. There is astep of caging the biasing means 20 between such upper surface of thefirst substantially flat plate member and an inner surface of suchhandle member when the second substantially flat plate member is engagedwith the pair of arm like projections, such one end of the biasing means20 is disposed within such raised portion 8 on the upper surface of thefirst plate member 6. There is a step of applying pressure on the blockof tofu 3 by the first substantially flat plate member 6. Such firstsubstantially flat plate member 6 being forced downward by the biasingmeans 20. The next step is removing water from the block of tofu 3 bythe pressure exerted by the first substantially flat plate member 6 as aresult of the action of the biasing means 20. There is a step of placingthe apparatus 10 in the refrigerator after excess water is starting tobe removed from the tofu 3. This is done to insure that the tofu 3 isnot exposed to room temperatures any more than necessary since theremoval of excess water may require some time. This step may be omitted;however, if it takes considerable time for the excess water to beremoved that this step becomes important for hygienic or healthfulreasons.

There is a step of collecting the excess water removed from the block oftofu 3 above such first substantially flat plate member 6 and a step ofpouring out the excess water removed from the block of tofu 3. Nextthere is a step of returning the apparatus 10 with the tofu 3 in thecontainer member 2, with excess water removed, to a refrigerated areauntil ready for use. A step of placing the lid member 24 on top of thecontainer member 2 is done before the container 2 is returned to therefrigerator.

There can be the additional step of adding a marinade to the block oftofu, with excess water removed, stored in the container member 2 in arefrigerated area.

Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus for easily removingexcess moisture from blocks of tofu. The apparatus can be constructed ofa sturdy plastic material and is generally a substantially box orrectangular shape since presently most commercial tofu is sold in thisshape. However, it is within the scope of the invention that such shapecould be circular or another shape if the commercial suppliers of tofuwould change the shape. It is designed to be approximately the size of ablock of commercially available tofu. The base of the container unitthat holds the tofu features four feet on the corners. There is a firstflat plate member that is disposed within the container and sits on thetop of the tofu and a second flat plate member that has a springattached to it. The second flat plate member engages a pair of arm likeprojections disposed on upper surfaces and on opposite sides of thecontainer. The spring engages the first plate member that sits on thetop of the tofu so that as the spring exerts pressure on the first flatplate member sitting on the tofu excess water is removed from the tofu.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of thepresent invention has been described in detail above, it should beunderstood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of theinvention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled inthe art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or thescope of the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for removing excess moisture from blocks of tofu ascommonly sold in grocery and health food stores, said apparatuscomprising: (a) an open top container member for holding at least oneblock of tofu, said container member having a first predetermined shapeand a predetermined inner surface area; (b) a pair of arm likeprojections disposed on upper surfaces and on opposite sides of saidcontainer member; (c) a first substantially flat plate member having apredetermined surface area which is less than said predetermined innersurface area of said container member by an amount at least sufficientto allow moisture to flow to a surface above an upper surface of suchtofu, said first substantially flat plate member disposed inside saidcontainer member and placed on top of such at least one block of tofu,said first substantially flat plate member having at least one raisedportion on an upper surface thereof; (d) a second substantially flatplate member for engagement with said pair of arm like projections; (e)a handle member disposed on an upper surface of said secondsubstantially flat plate member; and (e) at least one biasing meanscaged between an inner surface of said handle member and said uppersurface of said first substantially flat plate member for pressingexcess moisture out of such at least one block of tofu.
 2. Theapparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one biasing meansis compressed when said second substantially flat platform member isforcibly engaged with said pair of arm like projections and saidopposite end of said biasing means is disposed within said at least oneraised portion and engages said upper surface of said firstsubstantially flat member.
 3. The apparatus, according to claim 1,wherein excess moisture removed from such block of tofu is collectedabove said first substantially flat plate member.
 4. The apparatus,according to claim 1, wherein said at least one biasing means iscompressed when said second substantially flat platform member isforcibly engaged with said pair of arm like projections and saidopposite end of said biasing means is disposed within said at least oneraised portion of said first substantially flat member.
 5. Theapparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said handle member issubstantially hollow.
 6. The apparatus, according to claim 5, whereinsaid substantially hollow handle member further includes a means forengaging an upper end of said biasing means.
 7. The apparatus, accordingto claim 6, wherein said substantially hollow handle member is formed onsaid upper surface of said second substantially flat plate member. 8.The apparatus, according to claim 6, wherein said means includes a pairof pins disposed inwardly on radially opposed sides of said handlemember.
 9. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said pair of armlike projections point in one of a same direction and in oppositedirections.
 10. The apparatus, according to claim 9, wherein said pairof arm like projections point in opposite directions.
 11. The apparatus,according to claim 1, wherein said second substantially flat member hasa pair of notches disposed on diagonally opposed corners.
 12. Theapparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said container is formed ofplastic.
 13. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said pair ofarm like projections are integrally formed with said container member.14. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first and saidsecond substantially flat plate members are formed of plastic.
 15. Theapparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said biasing means is a spring.16. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said container memberfurther includes feet like projections disposed on each of four cornerson an underside thereof.
 17. An apparatus for removing excess moisturefrom blocks of tofu as commonly sold in grocery and health food stores,said apparatus comprising: (a) an open top container member for holdingat least one block of tofu, said container member having a firstpredetermined shape and a predetermined inner surface area; (b) a pairof arm like projections disposed on upper surfaces and on opposite sidesof said container member; (c) a first substantially flat plate memberhaving a predetermined surface area which is less than saidpredetermined inner surface area of said container member an amount atleast sufficient to allow moisture to flow to a surface above an uppersurface of such tofu, said first substantially flat plate memberdisposed inside said container member and placed on top of such at leastone block of tofu, said first substantially flat plate member having atleast one raised portion on an upper surface thereof; (d) a secondsubstantially flat plate member for engagement with said pair of armlike projections; (e) a handle member disposed on an upper surface ofsaid second substantially flat plate member; and (e) at least onebiasing means engageable with a lower surface of said secondsubstantially flat plate member and caged between said lower surface ofsaid second substantially flat plate member and said upper surface ofsaid first substantially flat plate member for pressing excess moistureout of such at least one block of tofu.
 18. A method for removing excessmoisture from blocks of tofu as commonly sold in grocery and health foodstores, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a containermember, said container member having a first predetermined shape and afirst predetermined surface area and having a pair of arm likeprojections disposed on upper surfaces and on opposite sides of saidcontainer member; (b) placing a block of tofu in said container member;(c) placing a first substantially flat plate member inside saidcontainer member on top of said block of tofu, said first substantiallyflat plate member having a second predetermined surface area which isless that said first predetermined surface area by an amount at leastsufficient to allow moisture to flow to a surface above an upper surfaceof such tofu, said first substantially flat plate member having at leastone raised portion on an upper surface thereof; (d) engaging a secondsubstantially flat plate member having a handle member formed on anupper surface thereon and having a biasing means connected to an innersurface of said handle member with said pair of arm like projectionsthat are disposed on upper surfaces and on opposite sides of saidcontainer member; (e) caging said biasing means between said uppersurface of said first substantially flat plate member and an innersurface of said handle member when said second substantially flat platemember is engaged with said pair of arm like projections; (f) applyingpressure on said block of tofu by said first substantially flat platemember, said first substantially flat plate member being forced downwardby said biasing means; (g) removing water from said block of tofu; (h)storing said apparatus in the refrigerator while excess water is beingremoved from said tofu. (i) collecting water removed from said tofuabove said first substantially flat plate member; (j) pouring off saidwater collected above said first substantially flat plate member; and(k) returning said container member with tofu therein, with excess waterremoved, to a refrigerated area until ready for use.
 19. The method,according to claim 18, wherein said method further includes a step ofcompressing said biasing means when said biasing means is caged betweensaid at least one raised portion disposed on said upper surface of saidfirst substantially flat plate member and an inner surface of saidhandle member disposed on said second substantially flat plate memberwhen said second substantially flat plate member is forcibly engagedwith said pair of arm like projections.
 20. The method, according toclaim 18, wherein said method further includes a step, after step j, ofplacing a lid member on the top said container member before returningsaid container to a refrigerated area.
 21. The method, according toclaim 20, wherein said method further includes a step of marinating saidtofu stored in said container member.